Snorkel Gear

[maps]

Hi

Any snorkeling experts?

I need suggestions for decent snorkel gear for my kids that won't break the bank. They are 12 and 13 and I think I should get them adult sized stuff.

We have a snorkel vacation scheduled so I wanted to get an entire package for them for Christmas. I just don't know what's a good price and what to look for in terms of quality.

Thanks

 

[lisaross]

Costco/Bj's usually sells decent sets - but they might not be out till after Christmas

 

[scrapquitler]

When I went to the Galapagos, I decided to invest in a set of snorkel equipment for myself. I went to the local dive center to purchase it, and I spent about $150 at that time (in 2000), and they helped me get a set of fins, a mask and that breathing tube (I don't know the name of it) that fit me properly. They also give me lots of tips on how to use it (I could have taken lessons from that as well, had I known sooner). I was very happy that I had spent the money because I had absolutely no problems with my equipment and I knew it would fit me properly when it was time to use it. A couple of the other people on our ship did have a bit of difficulty with the equipment provided, so I was thankful that I could concentrate on the baby seals rather than worrying about my mask not fitting or whatever. :thumbsup

 

[pink_fins]

I just had to figure this out for my family. I have been scuba diving for 20 years now and had all sorts of gear for my family. So we didn't have to purchase anything.

With that being said. I found out when we got there that the masks I had didn't fit the faces as well as I would have liked. Water came in and they had lots of problems due to being too big. They did not have fun with the saltwater

the snorkels were fine.... don't skimp on the snorkels. get dry ones...(easier to blow the little water that may come in.)

Now, as one person said go to a scuba shop. It will cost you more but you can use the set for many years.

If you want to give it for a gift and don't want to take them to a shop before Christmas, print out pictures and wrap them up in a box. Then you can take them after christmas to a shop....

gail

ps. forget the fins. they are too big to pack in a suitcase. rent or don't use anything you will be fine.

 

[okeydokey]

We ordered these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DY9WNU/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

They work well.

 

[sallysue66]

We bought our masks & snorkels from a scuba shop a few years ago. DH & mine were sets that were around $60 each (no fins, just the mask & snorkel). They are fine for us, we could have spent much more on mask that were awesome, but can't justify the $$. The mask in the set's did not fit DD13 well so hers were individual pieces. As a PP said, get the dry snorkels that allow you to blow out the water. Also, ditto about the fins. We have nice fins but don't take them half the time as they are a pain to travel with. Use the ones provided by the excursion boat or rent if possible.

I have seen many people with the whole sets that include mask, snorkel and travel sized fins in a nice little back-pack style tote and they do fine with them. They are convenient and not expensive. I guess you could return them if the mask didn't fit & feel well. The mask is so important, if it doesn't fit, water gets in and ruins the experience.

 

[S. C.]

Got ours several years ago from Sams club. No complaints they worked good.